Trimming Impedance Between Two Nodes Connected To A Non-Fixed Voltage Level

ABSTRACT

A T-network containing three impedance is provided between two terminating ends not connected to ground. Two impedances may be connected in series between the two terminating ends. A third impedance may be connected between the junction of the first two impedances and a fixed voltage (e.g., ground). Switches may be used to trim the third voltage, thus obtaining a desired voltage between the two terminating ends. A terminal of any switches used for trimming can be connected to the fixed voltage node, thereby ensuring that the impedance introduced by the switches does not change substantially during different operating situations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to filters, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for implementing desired impedance between two ends not connected to ground.

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] Filters are generally implemented to perform corresponding transfer functions as is well known in the relevant arts. A transfer function is determined by, among other aspects, the impedances used to implement the corresponding filter as is also well known in the relevant arts.

[0005] Accordingly, it is generally desirable that components be implemented to attain a desired impedance (within an acceptable tolerance limit) between the two ends (“terminating ends”) of the impedance. However, due to reasons such as manufacturing process imperfections, it is often difficult to implement components with the desired impedances.

[0006] In a prior approach known as trimming, a large impedance substantially equaling the desired impedance, may be used in conjunction with several incremental impedances. Switches may be used to selectively activate only some of the incremental impedances to attain a desired impedance across the terminating ends.

[0007] It may be desirable to provide the ability to trim impedances having terminating ends not connected to ground while meeting several other requirements (such as ensuring that the implemented component continues to operate within an acceptable impedance range in several operating situations). Such ability would generally increase the design choices for an designer implementing a solution.

[0008] Accordingly, what is needed is a method and apparatus which enables an impedance (or the impedance of a component) to be trimmed when neither terminating end is connected to ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention allows a desired impedance, which does not change substantially in different operating situations, to be implemented between two terminating nodes not connected to the ground. The desired impedance may be obtained by using a T-network between the two nodes.

[0010] The T-network may contain three impedances, with the first two impedances being connected in series between the two terminating nodes. One terminal of the third impedance may be connected to a fixed voltage (such as ground), and the other terminal may be connected to the junction of the first two impedances. Assuming the three impedances are represented by ZA, ZB, and ZC, the impedance between the two terminating nodes equals: ZA+ZB+(ZA×ZB/ZC), as is well known in the relevant arts.

[0011] Thus, impedance ZC can be trimmed to obtain a desired impedance between the two terminating ends. In addition, a terminal of the switches used for trimming may be connected to a fixed voltage such that the resistance introduced by the switches remains substantially the same in many operating situations. Accordingly, the voltage between the terminating ends may remain substantially unaltered during operation.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the details of an embodiment of a filter;

[0015]FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating the details of a impedance network implement according to a prior approach;

[0016]FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the details of a T-network implemented in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the manner in which one of the impedances in a T-network is implemented according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the details of a re-designed filter; and

[0019]FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the details of a system in which the present invention is implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] 1. Overview and Discussion of the Invention

[0021] The present invention enables a desired impedance to be attained (in a filter) in different operating situations across two terminating ends (neither of which is connected to ground). The feature is obtained by using a T-network containing three impedances. Two impedances may be connected in series across the terminating ends. One terminal of a third impedance is connected to the junction connecting the two impedances and the other terminal (of the third impedance) is connected to a point with a fixed voltage level (e.g. ground)

[0022] The third impedance in the T-network may be implemented using several incremental impedances, with switches connected across each incremental impedance. By selectively activating only some of the incremental impedances in the third impedance, the desired impedance may be attained between the terminating ends.

[0023] In addition, the impedance introduced by the switches may not change substantially as one terminal of the switch may be connected to a fixed voltage. As a result, the impedance between two terminating ends not connected to ground, may be within an acceptable range during different operating situations.

[0024] It is useful to understand a example filter to appreciate several aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, a example filter is described first. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0025] 2. Example Filter

[0026]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the details of an embodiment of filter 100. Filter 100 may be implemented to perform a transfer function of {(1+c0*s{circumflex over ( )}{circumflex over ( )}2)/((1+a1*s+a2*s{circumflex over ( )}{circumflex over ( )}2)*(1+b1*s+b2*s{circumflex over ( )}{circumflex over ( )}2)}, wherein {circumflex over ( )}{circumflex over ( )}2 represents a square operation, s is a frequency variable, and c0, a1, a2, b1, b2 are filter coefficients.

[0027] Filter 100 is shown containing operational amplifiers (OPAMP) 150 and 190 and several impedances (resistors and capacitors). Filter 100 performs the transfer function on an input signal received on lines 101 and 102, and forwards the resulting output signal on lines 198 and 199.

[0028] To obtain the desired transfer function, it is often required to implement a desired impedance in various places in filter 100. For example, impedance 110 between terminating ends 107 and 108 may be required to be within an acceptable range. Similarly, between terminating ends 117 and 118, impedance 120 may be required to be within another acceptable range. A prior approach of implementing desired impedances is described below with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0029] 3. Prior Approach of Implementing Impedances

[0030]FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating the manner in which impedance 110 may be implemented according to a prior approach. Impedance network 200 is shown containing impedances Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and Z5, and switches 211 through 214. A first terminal of switches 211-214 is respectively connected to a corresponding one of junctions 221-224 respectively. The second terminal of switches 211-214 are together connected to common node 130 in the filter.

[0031] Impedance Z1 may substantially equal the desired impedance (Z_(Des)) across terminating ends 107 and 108. Z2-Z5 may be referred to as incremental impedances. Switches 211-214 may be used to selectively activate (turn ON) only some of the incremental impedances. The activated impedances along with impedance Z1 operate to effectively provide the desired impedance across terminating ends 107 and 108. Thus, any variances resulting from manufacturing processes may be corrected by appropriate choice of impedance Z1. A problem with the prior approach is noted below.

[0032] 4. Problem With Prior Approach

[0033] One problem with impedance network 200 of FIG. 2A is that the impedance introduced by each switch depends on the voltage across the corresponding junction and common node 230. For example, the impedance of switch 211 depends on the voltage across junction 221 and common node 230.

[0034] Large voltage swings across switches can cause the impedance between two terminating ends 107 and 108 to change substantially. As a result, the impedance between two terminating ends 107 and 108 may not be within an acceptable range during different operating situations.

[0035] One way to minimize such a problem is to connect one terminal of the switch to a fixed voltage level. Thus, it would be desirable to connect common node 230 to a node where there is minimal voltage swing (for example, ground). However, if neither of the terminating nodes are at a constant voltage level, such a connection may not be available. The present invention provides such an ability to connect switches to ground as described below with reference to FIG. 2B.

[0036] 5. Present Approach

[0037]FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the details of T-network 250 which enables a desired impedance (Z_(DES)) to be implemented in accordance with the present invention. T-network 250 is shown containing impedances ZA, ZB and ZC. Each impedance ZA-ZC can be implemented using several impedances connected appropriately.

[0038] Impedances ZA and ZB are connected in series between terminating ends 107 and 108. Impedance ZC is connected between junction 251 (connecting impedances ZA and ZB) and point 271. Point 271 is connected to a fixed voltage level such as ground (having zero voltage). The impedance ‘Z’ between terminating ends 107 and 108 is represented by the following equation:

Z=ZA+ZB+(ZA*ZB)/ZC  Equation (1)

[0039] Thus, a desired impedance (Z_(DES)) may be attained by designing ZC with an appropriate impedance value. In addition, as one terminal of ZC is connected to ground (fixed voltage) terminal, ZC may be implemented not to vary substantially in different operating situations as described below.

[0040] 6. Impedance ZC

[0041]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the details of an embodiment of impedance ZC implemented in accordance with the present invention. Impedance ZC is shown containing switches 301 through 307 and resistors R1 through R6. Resistors R1-R6 are connected in series. Terminals 351-357 of all switches 301-306 is connected to point 271 and the terminals 361-367 of switches 301-306 is connected to a respective one of junctions 311 through 316. Point 271 may be at a fixed voltage.

[0042] Only those resistors R1-R6 required to make Z of Equation (1) equal to the desired impedance (Z_(DES)) are activated by turning on the corresponding switches 301-307. For example, if resistors R1-R5 are required to be connected to impedance ZA and ZB, then switch 305 is closed (or switched on). In such a scenario, impedance ZC equals the sum of resistance of resistors R1-R5.

[0043] In addition, because terminals 351-357 are at a fixed voltage level, the voltage across switches 301-305 would be predictable in many operating situations. As a result, the impedance introduced by switches 301-307 remains substantially unchanged in different operating situations. Thus, the impedance ZC and Z (of Equation (1)) remain substantially unchanged.

[0044] It must be understood that though ZC is shown implemented using resistors, ZC may be implemented using other elements such as capacitors as well. The manner in which T-network 250 may be used is described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0045] 7. Re-Designed Filter

[0046]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the details of an example filter 400 illustrating the manner in which T-network 250 (of FIG. 2B) may be used. It may be appreciated filter 400 is similar to filter 100 (of FIG. 1) in many respects, except that the some impedances are shown implemented using equivalent T-networks. Thus, filter 400 provides the same transfer function as filter 100.

[0047] Filter 400 is shown containing operational amplifiers (OPAMP) 450 and 490, T-networks 410 and 420, and several impedances (resistors and capacitors). Input signals are provided to OPAMP 450 on lines 401 and 402 and the output signals are obtained on lines 498 and 499 of OPAMP 490 respectively.

[0048] T-networks 410 is implemented between terminating ends 407 and 408. Similarly, T-network 420 is implemented between terminating ends 417 and 418. It may be appreciated that terminating ends 407 and 408 are similar to terminating ends 107 and 108. By implementing T-network 410, a desired impedance (which does not change substantially) may be obtained between terminating ends 407 and 408 which was not attainable between terminating ends 107 and 108 of filter 100. Similarly, T-network 420 may be implemented between terminating ends 417 and 418.

[0049] As the present invention enables a desired impedance to be implemented between two terminating end points not connected to ground, the present invention allows several designs to perform the same transfer function. The description is continued with reference to an example system in which filter 400 can be implemented.

[0050] 8. Example System

[0051]FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the details of an embodiment of system 500 in which the present invention may be implemented. System 500 is shown containing filter 400, analog to digital convertor (ADC) 510 and digital signal processor (DSP) 550. Each component is described in further detail below.

[0052] Filter 400 performs a corresponding transfer function on input signal received on path 401-402, and provides the resulting output signal on lines 498 and 499 to ADC 510. Filter 400 may be implemented as described above.

[0053] Analog to digital convertor (ADC) 510 converts (samples) analog output signals received on lines 498 and 499 to corresponding digital samples, and provides the samples on lines 598 and 599 respectively. DSP 550 processes the digital signals to generate the desired output on line 599.

[0054] It may be appreciated that the present invention may be implemented in several types of environments. Examples of such environments include, but not limited to, digital subscribers loop (DSL) environments, Etherloop, HPNA, wide and local area networks (WLAN), etc.

[0055] 9. Conclusion

[0056] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing a desired impedance between two ends not connected to ground, said method being performed in a filter, said method comprising: providing a T-network containing a first impedance, a second impedance and a third impedance, wherein said first impedance and said second impedance are connected in series between said two ends, said first impedance and said second impedance being connected at a junction, said third impedance being connected between said junction and a fixed voltage; and trimming said third impedance to attain said desired impedance between said two ends not connected to ground.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said fixed voltage comprises ground.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said third impedance comprises a plurality of impedances and a switch, said trimming comprises activating at least one of said plurality of impedances, said method further comprising connecting a terminal of said switch to said fixed voltage.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein each of said first impedance, second impedance and said third impedance are implemented using passive impedance elements.
 5. A filter for performing a transfer function on an input signal, said filter comprising: two terminating ends not connected to ground; and a T-network containing a first impedance, a second impedance and a third impedance, wherein said first impedance and said second impedance are connected in series between said two ends, said first impedance and said second impedance being connected at a junction, said third impedance being connected between said junction and a fixed voltage, said third impedance being trimmed to attain a desired impedance between said two ends not connected to ground, wherein said desired impedance determines said transfer function.
 6. The filter of claim 5, wherein said fixed voltage comprises ground.
 7. The filter of claim 5, wherein said third impedance comprises a plurality of impedances and a switch, said switch being designed to activate at least one of said plurality of impedances, a terminal of said switch being connected to said fixed voltage.
 8. The filter of claim 7, wherein each of said first impedance, second impedance and said third impedance are implemented using passive impedance elements.
 9. A system for processing an input signal, said system comprising: a filter to perform a transfer function on said input signal and to generate an output signal, said filter comprising: two terminating ends not connected to ground; and a T-network containing a first impedance, a second impedance and a third impedance, wherein said first impedance and said second impedance are connected in series between said two ends, said first impedance and said second impedance being connected at a junction, said third impedance being connected between said junction and a fixed voltage, said third impedance being trimmed to attain a desired impedance between said two ends not connected to ground, wherein said desired impedance determines said transfer function; an analog to digital converter (ADC) generating a plurality of samples by sampling said output signal; and a processor examining said plurality of samples.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said fixed voltage comprises ground.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said third impedance comprises a plurality of impedances and a switch, said switch being designed to activate at least one of said plurality of impedances, a terminal of said switch being connected to said fixed voltage.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein each of said first impedance, second impedance and said third impedance are implemented using passive impedance elements.
 13. A circuit providing a desired impedance between two ends not connected to ground, said circuit comprising: means for providing a first impedance, a second impedance and a third impedance, wherein said first impedance and said second impedance are connected in series between said two ends, said first impedance and said second impedance being connected at a junction, said third impedance being connected between said junction and a fixed voltage; and means for trimming said third impedance to attain said desired impedance between said two ends not connected to ground.
 14. The circuit of claim 13, wherein said fixed voltage comprises ground.
 15. The circuit of claim 13, wherein said third impedance comprises a plurality of impedances and a switch, said switch being designed to activate at least one of said plurality of impedances, said method further comprising connecting a terminal of said switch to said fixed voltage.
 16. The circuit of claim 15, wherein each of said first impedance, second impedance and said third impedance are implemented using passive impedance elements. 